3 Effects Of Sun Damage On Your Face

It’s no secret that the sun can damage your skin, but the sun is far more dangerous and damaging to the skin than you may realize!

In this article, we’ll talk about just 3 ways the sun can damage your skin!

Speeds up the signs of aging

When you’re young and not yet thinking about the future, it’s easy to simply live in the moment and tell yourself you’ll worry about wrinkles when you’re older. After all, a tan looks so "healthy."

That is until 10, 20 years later when you’re wishing you had taken better steps to protect your skin, because when it comes to aging, ultimately, prevention is better than cure.

Every time you get a sunburn or even a dark tan, some damage has occurred in your skin. Over time the sun will break down collagen and elastin fibers, and you’ll be left dealing not only with lines and wrinkles and sagging skin, but your skin tone and texture changes, and that can translate to leathery-looking skin as well.

Causes sun spots or hyperpigmentation

Sunspots, dark spots, call it what you will, are all forms of hyperpigmentation characterized by areas of darker skin tone due to increased melanin production in those areas.

While hormonal factors are a big factor in contributing to hyperpigmentation, so are UV rays. We see these spots often on our hands because this is an area we don’t think of applying sunscreen to, and you may also notice these darker spots more predominantly on the left side of your face from sun exposure while driving. UVA rays (often called the “Aging Ray”) penetrate through glass. Yes, tinted windows can provide some UV protection, but there are a lot of variables, and it's not adequate enough protection. So don't count on tinted windows to provide the protection you need.

Increases your risk of skin cancer

Of course, UV rays also drastically increase your risk of skin cancer, especially if you aren’t protecting your skin with a high SPF (and damage can still occur even on cloudy or rainy days).

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are related to sun exposure over a number of years. My brother, a lifelong surfer, and my mom, a devoted supporter of watching her 4 kids play sports in the sun, have had too-many-to count of these skin cancers removed from various parts of their body – including face, arms, calves, thighs and top of feet. We didn’t realize the damage back then, but we know now.

Melanoma, on the other hand, is thought to be from brief and intense exposure, think of red, blistering sunburns. I’m cringing thinking of the days of tanning (and burning) with baby oil.

(And while this article is about sun exposure, let’s don’t forget tanning beds. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “Women younger than 30 are SIX times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors.”)

Take care beyond your face, covering up neck and ears and any other areas of skin that will be exposed to the sun. (There's some excellent SPF clothing on the market as well.) Wear sunglasses and carry your sunblock with you and use as needed so you’re never stranded without it.

And for the ultimate in age-defying skin care, reach for our Vitamin C Brightening Serum. Packed full of vitamins and anti-oxidants, this creamy serum helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plumps and softens skin, and revitalizes and nourishes for a radiant, sun-kissed glow - naturally.

We wish you a wonderful and safe rest of summer with happy, healthy skin all season long!

While most people love summer and the arrival of longer, brighter days, warm rays and sultry evenings spent sipping cocktails on the patio, (we are dreamers 🌴 ), for many it also means lots of time spent by the pool.

However, catching some rays and enjoying the pool can present its own host of problems. While chlorine is necessary to disinfect and keep pool water safe, it wreaks havoc on the skin. It strips your skin of its natural oils, compromising the moisture barrier that protects the outer layer of skin, which can leave you with dry, flaky, sometimes itchy skin.

But life is about living, and I would never suggest you go hide in a cave just so your skin doesn’t see the light of day. (Although, those who know me and know I love the cool weather and overcast days probably wouldn’t be surprised to find me hanging out in a cave – except for the dark, scary factor and bats and things like that.)

Fortunately, we have some natural solutions so you can enjoy these gorgeous summer days!

BEFORE YOU GET IN THE POOL

First of all, if you’re outdoors during the day, we know you are using sunscreen; right? Broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (water-resistant if you’re in the water).

With sunscreen as a given, consider wetting your skin and hair before you get in the pool. This can help protect against absorption of chlorine and potentially reduce some of its drying effects. Realistically, one of the great joys of being near a pool is jumping in when you’re hot – not washing yourself down first, but at the minimum, consider spritzing your face with a moisturizing toner (see below for our recommendation) and spritz (or douse) your hair with some fresh water. It only takes a second, and every little bit helps.

SHOWER & CLEANSE IMMEDIATELY AFTER SWIMMING

Once you’re out of the pool, you need to cleanse skin. A good rinse in the shower is not enough. Chlorine lingers on your skin.

Be sure you are using a sulfate-free cleanser! Sulfates can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating the drying, tight skin already compromised from the harsh chlorine.

Our 2-in-1 Cleansing Milk is a sulfate-free, creamy, gentle cleanser. It’s suitable for all skin types and softens and hydrates while removing impurities and debris.

Time to get skin’s pH back on track. Our normal pH is slightly acidic at 5.5. Chlorine pH is approximately 7.4. Our Rose Hydrating Toner Mist, in a base of organic rose water, helps restore skin’s pH. Along with glycerin, this toner calms, soothes and hydrates dry, overheated skin. (As mentioned above, give your skin a spritz before getting in the pool as well!)

SERUM

While skin is still damp, apply a serum with powerful anti-oxidants. Our Vitamin C Brightening Serum adds hydration and a dose of antioxidant protection to ward off skin-aging free radicals!

Dry, sensitive summer skin begs for some extra love. It’s easy for pores to become clogged from oil and sweat; and, in what seems like an oxymoron, the sun and heat sap our skin of moisture, causing dry, flaky skin, which results in increased build-up of dead skin cells, which also clog pores.

Our Lemon Tart Exfoliating Mask knows just what your skin needs. It smells like a delicious summer pie and gives an invigorating boost to the weary mind and soul. This nutrient-rich mask features jojoba beads which gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while vitamins and phospholipids smooth, hydrate, and nourish for glowing, polished, and rejuvenated skin.

This mask can be used once or twice a week. So pour yourself a beverage of choice, sit back, and enjoy a spa-quality mask in your own home!

We hope these simple skin care tips help you enjoy your best skin this summer!

The Anti-Aging Benefits of 3 Powerful Antioxidants in Skin Care

We’ve all heard the term and try to include them in our diet on a daily basis. From green smoothies to nutrient-rich snacks, we’re all about antioxidants!

We know they’re fantastic for our health and can help to protect us against disease, but perhaps you aren’t sure the role antioxidants play in skin care or how they even work.

That’s where we come in!

In this article we’ll break it down and show you why antioxidants are so great and a must-have for your skin and how they work to fight the signs of aging.

So grab your smoothie, sit back and dive in!

What is an antioxidant?

An antioxidant is a molecule that helps protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals. A chemical reaction, called oxidation, produces free radicals. Think of sliced fruit that turns brown after sitting out for a while. Once exposed to air, free radicals are released, and oxidation begins.

Exposure to environmental stressors such as sun and pollution, or other stressors such as chemicals, toxins, smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, along with stress can create free radicals. These free radicals damage healthy cells and can increase your risk for disease and aging skin.

Antioxidants help inhibit this process from taking place.

How do antioxidants fight the signs of aging?

Antioxidants act as scavengers that seek out and neutralize free radicals before they can cause damage to cells.

Three key antioxidant ingredients to include in your skin routine to fight aging

Vitamin C

This is our favorite antioxidant vitamin! It sort of does it all. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and evens skin tone, helps shield against environmental stressors, and hydrates and nourishes for softer, plumper skin.

Try our Vitamin C Brightening Serum for a powerful dose of this beauty vitamin! It also smells wonderful with its natural, citrusy scent.

Bulgarian Rose Water

The true-to-nature rose aroma is an intoxicating scent that can help calm and quiet the weary soul. Since stress is a huge contributor to aging skin, we encourage you to spritz Rose Hydrating Toner throughout the day!

Topically, rose water helps to calm and revitalize sensitive and stressed skin for a refreshed, silky soft complexion!

Retinol

A vitamin A compound and antioxidant powerhouse, retinol is something every woman should consider in her anti-aging routine!

Retinol benefits the skin in various ways. It helps to rejuvenate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin a fresh-faced, youthful-looking glow.

Don’t let the title scare you off! The term “acid” may sound terrifying, but alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) can work absolute wonders on the skin and are a lot gentler than you may think!

Alpha hydroxy acids are active compounds that provide a heap of benefits to the skin, and there are a few different kinds.

In this article we’ll be focusing on glycolic acid, known as the holy grail for exfoliation!

Keep reading to learn more about this AHA and how it can transform your skin.

What exactly is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is derived from cane sugar and has the smallest molecules of any AHA. This is excellent news for your skin because these small molecules mean enhanced penetration.

These molecules can sink into your pores where they can target an array of concerns, including those dreaded summer breakouts!

How does it work?

Glycolic acid reacts with the uppermost skin layer and works by dissolving sebum and grime, breaking up any substances that hold cells together. Think of it as breaking down the “glue” that binds your cells, sloughing off dead, sluggish skin cells.

What results can I expect to see?

AHA’s can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, refine and brighten for smooth, dewy-soft, youthful-looking skin!!

To experience the benefits of this wonderful ingredient yourself at home, be sure to check out our AHA Facial Cream, which includes glycolic acid along with other antioxidant and soothing ingredients. It is vegan, free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PEGs, and artificial fragrance, so you can feel good about putting it on your skin!

Sunburn Alert: AHA's may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Be sure to use a sunscreen (goes without saying!) when using AHA's.

I’d like to introduce you to Shannon Zeeman. Living a hectic and happy life with her husband and two boys, Shannon, like many other women, found her world turned upside down in a matter of minutes.

She has given us a peek inside her journey and provided some amazing pictures of her and her family along the way. I am so touched by Shannon's courage and bravery and am grateful for her sharing her story.

What was your first reaction when you were told you had breast cancer?

I can remember feeling numb, and when I heard the word “cancer,” the doctor’s voice turned into the adult from Charlie Brown’s cartoon, “Wawa Wawa Wawa”. It was extremely hard to believe that it was true, and I continued to feel that they had mixed up my labs until I met with my oncologist surgeon, and she confirmed that it was truly my pathology report.

What kind of treatment did you have to undergo?

I had a double mastectomy on November 2, 2016, where they not only found my original tumor, DCIS triple negative, but also found a secondary tumor that had already started to spread and was HER2 positive.

They were not able to put in the expanders until after my pathology report came back. So four weeks later I had another surgery to take more breast tissue for clear margins and to put in my expanders.

Two weeks after that I had my Port-A-Cath placed in. On December 19, 2016, I started six months of intense chemo treatment. That was followed by Herceptin chemo every three weeks through 2017. My last chemo was December 20!

How did you find the strength to go through the treatments?

I had two boys, ages 9 and 13, an amazing husband, and supportive parents that gave everything they had to help me kick cancer’s butt. Every day I woke up with this disease on my mind, but I would not let it hold me down because I had an amazing life to live.

What was the hardest part in going through the treatments?

The hardest part was watching my loved ones take care of me and not being able to take care of them in return. I knew how hard it was for them to watch me suffer and not know how to fix me.

How has this taken a toll on you emotionally?

Emotionally this has left me feeling alone and sad. My loved ones still don’t know how to treat me or what to expect from me. I am trying to begin finding my “new normal.” I hate that phrase, but they are afraid that I will do too much. I continue to tell everyone that I am feeling good, when I am really hurting emotionally and physically inside, in hopes that they will begin to stop treating me like I am broken. Who wants to continually listen to someone talk about their problems?

What did friends or family members do that meant the most to you?

I had such an amazing outpouring of love and support! Besides the cards & gifts that brought me so much joy, the messages that I received on a regular basis, just checking in & letting me know that someone was thinking of me, filled my heart. Also when they would take my kids, husband or mom out of the house to have fun, it made me feel less guilty for not being able to.

What would you say has been the most difficult part of this for your family and friends?

Every step of this journey has been really tough while we were going through it, but I think the change in my memory and energy has been the hardest because it has continued the longest.

When did you want friends and family close and when did you want them at a distance?

I always wanted people around. I loved the friends that would show up with a book or something to keep them busy and allow me to drift off to sleep. The only exception was on my bad days of chemotherapy. Those days were the best for messages of love and support.

What do you wish people would not have said to you?

I hate when anyone talks about my “new normal” or when people comment that I get a “new boob job.”

What did doctors say and do that meant the most to you?

When my doctors would sit down with me and talk to me about my questions & feelings. They made me feel like I was as important as their family member and not just another file.

Is there anything you wish doctors would not have said to you?

Nothing that they said, but if they didn’t take time to listen and truly see me.

What do you think has been the most valuable insight you’ve gained from this experience?

That cancer doesn’t discriminate. You can be young or old, healthy or not, wealthy or poor. Cancer affects everyone in the patient’s life, and everyone needs support.

This is from my trip to Europe two weeks before my first surgery 10/16.

This was the amazing group of loved ones who came to support me when I shaved my hair off on 1/8/17.

This was a fundraiser photo shoot my girlfriends put together for me. We raised $1500 for the American Cancer Society, February 2017.

This is my husband and me last September at the Susan G. Komen walk in Newport Beach, CA.

Thanksgiving with my family - 2017

If you would like to share your experience battling cancer, please drop me a note here. I'd love to hear from you!.

Have you ever woken up and suddenly your skin is all dried out or unexplainably itchy?

You didn’t change the products you usually use, and you didn’t eat anything that can cause inflammation of the skin (like dairy and sugar).

So, what gives?

To understand what’s going on, you need to know about the skin’s barrier. Also called the lipid barrier, it performs a number of important functions, primarily trapping water molecules in the skin and preventing water loss through the pores.

A strong barrier function is essential for healthy, hydrated skin.

Unfortunately, there are a number of factors that can break down the skin’s barrier and contribute to an array of skin issues.

The good news, though, is that with the right tender loving care, you can restore your skin’s barrier function and enjoy healthy, happy skin once more!

What happens when it’s damaged?

If you’re suffering from dry, itchy or sensitive skin, then these may be indications of a weakened or damaged barrier function.

Harsh products, environmental aggressors and over cleansing are a few factors that can contribute to a weakened barrier function. These may cause the skin to lose water through the pores and become dry, making it easier for allergens and irritants to permeate the skin.

The skin can then become inflamed and irritated and, quite frankly, drive you a little nuts!

Here are a few tips to help maintain a strong barrier function and, therefore, happy skin!

Avoid harsh products and over cleansing

Using products filled with synthetic dyes and fragrance as well as over washing your skin can strip it of beneficial oils causing dryness and making your skin more permeable to irritants and allergens.

Use natural products that will help to maintain your skin’s delicate moisture balance. You may consider washing your face just at night. Use some of our Rose Hydrating Toner Mist on a cotton pad to wipe your face clean in the morning or spritz directly on skin for additional hydration before resuming your usual routine. (Your skin loves this nourishment at night too!)

Our 2-in-1 Gentle Cleansing Milk is just what your skin needs to cleanse it from dirt and impurities that may have accumulated during the day (or night). This cleanser is packed with ingredients including glycerin, sweet almond oil, rose water and amino acids to help draw water into the skin, soothe the skin and provide an effective cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Protect your skin against environmental aggressors

Environmental factors such as cold, dry air and bitter winds can sap the moisture right out of your skin, putting it at risk for a damaged barrier function.

The best way to protect your skin against environmental factors is to use an effective moisturizer that helps form a protective barrier against the elements. Look for ingredients such as aloe, coconut and jojoba that help to draw moisture into the pores and lock it firmly in.

***Tamryn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Licensed Esthetician. Her passion for empowering people to make informed decisions about their mind and body flows through her work as a content creator for the world's top natural wellness, nutrition and growing skincare brands. She's an avid yogi, loves singing, and when she's not writing, you can find her reading or trying something new! Find her on Twitter here: @tamrynjburgess

Winter may be a picturesque season, with the snow creating a winter wonderland that makes for quite a gorgeous and magical sight, but apart from its perks, it can take a toll on your skin and leave it dry, dull and frustratingly itchy.

You may head to your drugstore for a quick fix, only to be confronted with hundreds of products that can leave you scratching your head in confusion.

Apart from not knowing where to start, once you do pick out a product, you may be dismayed to skim the label and realize that the product is brimming in synthetic chemicals that can put your health at risk. Apart from the health risks, these products provide no real long-term skin benefits due to the lack of real, nutrient-rich ingredients.

Using the right products is just one step in the fight against dry skin in winter. Keep reading for two tips to keep your skin hydrated, glowing and touchingly soft all season long!

Hydrate from the inside out

Plump, hydrated skin starts on the inside, and water is your best defense against the drying effects of this chilly season. Water helps to hydrate and nourish the skin cells from the inside out for plumper, smoother skin that glows with radiance.

You may be more tempted to sip on sugary lattes when the temperatures dip below zero, but it may surprise you to learn that sugar actually draws water out of your cells and will leave your skin dehydrated, dull, and in serious need of a hydration boost!

It may be hard to sip on water when your body craves something a little warmer. so why not switch out your sugary drinks for delicious herbal teas instead?

Here’s a few recipes that will benefit your health and your skin, and they are guaranteed to warm your chilly bones!

Use real, natural products

We all want to enjoy hydrated and dewy skin when our skin is dry and flaky, but you may find that hydrating products usually fall into two categories; the first group of products are usually heavy and leave a greasy film on the skin, which is not ideal. The second group of products are usually too lightweight and absorb quickly, but your skin may still feel dry to the touch.

When you make the switch to all natural products filled with real, nutrient-rich ingredients, then this no longer becomes a problem.

Tamryn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Licensed Esthetician. Her passion for empowering people to make informed decisions about their mind and body flows through her work as a content creator for the world's top natural wellness, nutrition and growing skincare brands. She's an avid yogi, loves singing, and when she's not writing, you can find her reading or trying something new! Find her on Twitter here: @tamrynjburgess

I’d like to wish all our readers a Happy New Year and hope your holiday was one of rest and relaxation, good food and even better company!

After a few weeks of putting your feet up, indulging in the good stuff (we aren’t judging!) and taking a break from work, getting back into the swing of things can be a bit of a challenge. The same is true about your skin.

You may already follow a strict natural skincare routine, but it may have fallen by the wayside a bit over the holidays. Late nights, travel, rich food and alcohol all take their toll on your skin, and while you may be feeling rested internally, externally your skin may be looking a little dull.

Don’t let less than glowing skin dull your shine though! By following these simple skin care tips, you’ll quite literally slough away the effects of the holiday season on your skin to reveal dewy soft, vibrant and youthful skin quicker than you can say Happy New Year!

Get Scrubbing

The first step in your quest to achieve that glowing skin we all lust after is to exfoliate. A good exfoliation will help to slough off dead skin cells that may be contributing to a dull complexion, dry skin and clogged pores. You may find that all your skin care woes simply melt away after this important step!

After the holidays, your skin deserves some extra TLC so we are going to recommend our luxurious Lemon Tart Exfoliating Mask for a real skin treat. Jojoba beads help to dissolve impurities while still maintaining your skin’s delicate moisture balance while antioxidant vitamins A, C and E fight off free radicals and visibly brighten and even skin tone and texture. So set aside 15 minutes, treat yourself to a glass of red or a good book, and relax while this mask works its magic!

Spritz Me Up

Before you dive into applying your various lotions and potions, the next step in your routine is going to be a spritz of toner. Many people underestimate the power of a good toner, but a toner helps to soothe and nourish the skin, balance pH levels and allow for better absorption of products you apply after. Our Rose Hydrating Toner/Mist will instantly help to uplift your spirits and calm your mind thanks to its gorgeous subtle scent of Bulgarian rose.

Lock In Your Serum

Now your skin is perfectly prepped and primed for your serum and lotion. We’ll keep the bright theme going here by recommending our Vitamin C Brightening Serum. You can’t go wrong with Vitamin C, and everyone can benefit from its potent antioxidant properties. Vitamin C can help brighten and even skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, plump and clear skin!

Next, be sure to lock in your serum with a versatile moisturizer that is luxuriously creamy yet lightweight and ideal for everyday use for dry, sensitive, and mature skin types. Our Ultra Hydrating Facial Cream will get the job done thanks to soothing and hydrating ingredients such as aloe, coconut and jojoba, while anti-aging powerhouses DMAE and MSM help fight the signs of aging and leave your skin silky soft to the touch.

Click here to start your year with vibrant, glowing skin no matter how dull and gloomy the weather may get!

Tamryn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Licensed Esthetician. Her passion for empowering people to make informed decisions about their mind and body flows through her work as a content creator for the world's top natural wellness, nutrition and growing skincare brands. She's an avid yogi, loves singing, and when she's not writing, you can find her reading or trying something new! Find her on Twitter here: @tamrynjburgess